by Steve Leggett Born in South Carolina, singer, songwriter, and guitarist Dave Barnes grew up in Mississippi, where he was initially attracted to hip-hop but was also exposed to classic soul, blues, and R&B by his parents. While at college he began to realize that his calling was as a musician and songwriter. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in recording industry management, Barnes relocated to Nashville, TN, to throw his hat into the ring and start his professional musical career. At first he gravitated to the acoustic folk scene there, playing solo gigs on the local circuit, but in time he decided to move in a more groove-oriented direction and began playing with a band that included Justin Rosolino on guitar, Matt Mangano on bass, Ben Shive on keyboards, and Josh Robinson on drums. Barnes released two independent albums, 2004's Brother, Bring the Sun and 2006's Chasing Mississippi, both produced by Ed Cash, before moving to Razor & Tie for 2008's Me and You and the World.